The Finetech-Brindley Bladder Control System restores urinary continence to the spinal cord injured patient, and provides on demand urination. The system prevents reflex incontinence associated with spinal cord injury, and eliminates the need for self catheterisation. Bladder compliance (elasticity) is improved, which usually increases bladder volume, allowing the patient to urinate less frequently, usually four or five times a day whenever convenient.

Part of the system is implanted. This requires a surgical operation to place electrodes in contact with selected sacral spinal nerve roots (which will activate the bladder when stimulated by a small electrical current), and a radio receiver to which the electrodes are in turn connected. The remainder of the system is external and consists of a radio frequency transmitter which controls the system and provides the energy to activate the implanted receiver. The controller is switched on by the patient whenever he or she wishes to urinate.

The system requires that the patient undergo a procedure known as a posterior root rhizotomy which effectively breaks the reflex circuit which causes frequent unwanted evacuation of the bladder, and thus cures reflex incontinence.

The advantages of the system are:

• Cures incontinence, urine leaks and wetness
• Eliminates the need for catheterisation
• Reduces or eliminates urinary tract infections
• Restores full control and voluntary timing of micturation